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Kaieteur News
Saturday January 08, 2022
Kaieteur News
Saturday January 08, 2022
Biased, incapable Speaker should be disciplined for allowing rush of NRF Bill- Norton
Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, has signaled his intent to discipline members of the Opposition who portrayed ‘terrorist like mechanisms’ in their bid to stall the passage of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill, but elected Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Aubrey Norton, believes, it is the Speaker who ought to be disciplined, for allowing the forceful passage of the key legislation, which will determine how the oil revenues should be spent and monitored. Norton stated this position yesterday during a Press Conference. He reasoned, “…the Speaker of the National Assembly has no moral authority to lecture anyone about propriety. He has been, and continues to be complicit in making the National Assembly a tool of oppression.” According to Norton, the Speaker “has demonstrated from the inception of the life of this 12th Parliament, that he is biased and incapable of managing the affairs of the National Assembly in a fair and transparent manner.” The Speaker, he said, colluded with the PPP/C government to rush the Natural Resource Fund Bill through the National Assembly, “once again demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice the well-being of the people of Guyana…” The PNCR Leader continued, “…we lay the blame squarely at the feet of the corrupt PPP/C regime and a biased Speaker, for creating the conditions which correctly resulted in protest action in the National Assembly. It is the Speaker who
Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton should be disciplined.” Norton made it clear that his Party stands in support of its Members of Parliament (Mps), noting that the threats made against them by the Speaker, is not only an attempt to intimidate the MPs themselves into silence and compliance and to muzzle the voices of the more than 200,000 Guyanese they represent, but also to shift blame away from the Speaker. According to the recently elected Party Leader, on v a r io u s o c ca s i o n s th e Speaker would have p o r t r a y e d p a r t i a l i t y, therefore removing even the mere appearance of impartiality. He told reporters, “the trends from the time he would have become Speaker, suggests that he cannot…if a country is gripped in a COVID crisis and the Opposition brings a motion to deal with what is clearly an issue of national importance and you declare that it is not urgent then obviously, you cannot be considered an impartial Speaker”. Moreover, he argued, that last year when the Opposition brought a Motion that sought to address the Guyanese devastated by the floods, again the Speaker did not permit the discussions, explaining that it was not urgent. “ O n e o f t h e characteristics of a proper Speaker is that they should, at minimum, appear to be impartial. Even that appearance he has removed, Norton lamented saying “let us recall that he was a PPP Minister in the era of wanton corruption and therefore woven into the fabric of his approach is protection of corruption and dishonesty
and so in my opinion he does not qualify to be Speaker because he does not possess the attributes of a Speaker, especially one of impartiality, two acting on behalf of the interest of the people of Guyana.” In this regard, the Party Leader noted that the Opposition MPs—through their actions—were in pursuance of the interest of the people of Guyana, which is to protect the wealth that and in pursuance of that interest, the Members of Parliament sought to take action to ensure that the Bill was not rushed through. The NRF Bill was first tabled in the National Assembly on December 16, 2021. It came up for debates in the National Assembly on December 29, 2021, thereby giving the nation a mere 13 days’ time to scrutinize the document. Shadow Oil and Gas Minister and Opposition MP, David Patterson, had related to this newspaper that at least three months would have been needed to properly study the Bill. Nevertheless, the Bill was effectively passed in Parliament just over a week ago according to the Speaker of the National Assembly. He said that despite the authoritative symbol, the Mace, was abruptly removed by Opposition Members and some Parliamentarians were not in their seats, the Bill has been successfully passed. At an impromptu Press Conference, Nadir told reporters that a replica Mace was used and that government MPs had been seated. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Opposition is still reviewing grounds to legally challenge the passing of the Bill. comes from the oil industry,
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Locked car door saves pensioner from bandits A pensioner is counting his lucky stars after his locked car doors, saved him from being robbed by two men on a white Honda XR motorcycle earlier this week. The entire ordeal was captured on the man’s CCTV camera. Kaieteur News understands that the bandits attempted to rob him, as he was leaving his Pere Street, Kitty residence during the morning hours. Based on the camera footage seen by this media house, as the pensioner was exiting his yard and locking his gate, the bandits could be seen riding past his house on their motorbike. He then slowly walked towards his car, and as he was opening his car door, the bandits rode past again, this time stopping at a corner. The pillion rider hopped off and ran towards the elderly man’s car but by time he got there his potential victim was already in his car and had locked the doors. This newspaper was told that pensioner only became aware that the men wanted to rob him, when the pillion rider tried to forcefully open the car door but failed. The bandit also banged on the glass a few times before trying to force open the car door again. Realizing that his efforts were futile, he aborted the mission/the robbery attempt, hopped back onto the waiting motorcycle and rode off with his accomplice.
The pensioner entering his car
The bandit trying to force open the locked car door
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Kaieteur News
Saturday January 08, 2022
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Warning of a potentially ominous parallel for Guyana Today, we are asking our fellow Guyanese to do a twosided comparison, and when finished, ask them to make a conclusion. What we are asking of our fellow citizens is neither analysis nor study (too sophisticated), but something real and basic, to obtain an understanding of the way the world works, and where burning issues could lead and usually do. They should see a parallel, an ominous one, which makes this not only alarming, but timely. First, we have oil and lots of it, with potentially an untold number of barrels of equivalent in the tune of billions, still undiscovered, and alongside this oil, we have other riches. So does another society that shall remain unnamed for the moment; and like us, their GDP [per capita] is among the highest. We have begun to reap some money in oil profits with more promised. So does this other place in the comparison, with one significant difference. That is, that we have yet to collect a billion from our fund held in the United States, while this other country has received many billions from its own oil. Second, but still focusing mainly on this oil, while bearing in mind our other natural resource riches, there is an intensifying groundswell of dissatisfaction of how the rewards from this oil are being managed. The dissatisfaction is driven by such factors as who gets jobs (and who don’t), who receives the huge contracts and contracts in general (and who don’t), and, in very general terms, who participates in the overall distribution of the national wealth (and who don’t). The other place has some of these issues and trouble resulted. We must be frank and call things as they are today. This is where Guyana is, close to, or heading to, but with increasing acceleration. And this is only a few short years since the discovery of oil by Exxon in our waters. To sum up, there are these huge disagreements that have led to heavy disappointments, which now point to how things could get in a hurry, if we don’t do things right, in the credible oversight and equitable distribution of this oil and other wealth. Tensions in the other society has already flared. Third, the growing anger in this country stems from the perception and reality that the elites are living like kings, while the general unconnected population, the ones living at the lower end of the economic ladder, are condemned to get by, like dogs. This is what smoldered to explosive levels in the other society. As an aside, we remind our fellow Guyanese that we have been pointing to, saying, and warning about these burning issues for many years, and we have cautioned repeatedly of where things could end, should leaders refuse to listen and take appropriate action. It must be action that is early, sincere, comprehensive, fair, and meaningful. To this point, no leader has listened, and for our pains we have been attacked, demonised, and squeezed, among other ugly things. Since our messages are hated, the messenger becomes an easy, available whipping boy; and we have been targeted by lawsuits, internet sabotage, staff poaching, and so forth. Back to the comparison. Fourth, a rise in fuel prices was the straw that broke the camel’s back in that other non-fictional place, and though the government promised to reverse the increase, it was too little too late. Today, we know about steep price pains in Guyana that cause much crying from ordinary Guyanese, while leaders and elites laugh and celebrate. Fifth, this is where the rage is currently building here, exploded this very week, in that other unidentified place. People died, 1,000 got injured, 400 are hospitalised, and 2,000 are detained. There was significant property damage, mainly government buildings and the airport overpowered. This happened in Kazakhstan this week. A place with billions of barrels in oil, 40 percent of the world’s uranium reserve, and fantastic GDP numbers (New York Times, January 6). Kazakhstan is a rich country (like Guyana), with unequal wealth distribution (like Guyana), and a super elite class (like Guyana). Kazakhstan has an arrogant government (like Guyana), and possibly destructive anger (like Guyana). We warn again of a possibly ominous parallel for Guyana.
PPP showed no effort at fostering unity with the recent passage of the new NRF Act DEAR EDITOR, I write to acknowledge Mr. Ravi Dev’s letter published in the January 6th edition of the Stabroek News, captioned, “Ogunseye must say if he believes all Guyanese have transcended their ethnic affinities.” He was responding to my letter (SN 1-4-22): “It is imperative for all Guyanese to rethink their political approach to Guyana’s new reality.”I accept Dev/ROAR’s contention of an omission in my reference to their position, “Contrary to what Ogunseye avers, it was not merely the lack of electoral support that caused ROAR to question their “multiracial” claims after 1988, but the absence of individuals in their executive who identified as representing Indian Guyanese interests.” My omission was not deliberate or intended in any way to understate their position.Dev mentioned that my reference is to “an old discussion between the WPA and ROAR...” I take it to mean private discourse between members of the WPA executives and ROAR at Rodney House. I have learnt over time by my exchanges with Dev that a lot of his articulation of discussions between ROAR/WPA took place in my absence when I was occupied in making a living in the Kitty Market. I usually begin political activity at the party centre after midday. This response is
in no way to question the accuracy of anything stated in Dev’s letter. Of concern to me is to address the two questions Dev posed to me: (1) ... does he believe all Guyanese have transcended their ethnic affinities? (2) And will the WPA, for instance, denounce those who call African Guyanese leaders in the PPP, “House Negroes”? These are easy to answer questions posed to me in the public space for a long time.On the first question, my answer is no. I have accepted that I will depart to the land of the ancestors before all Guyanese transcend ethnic affinities. In any case, I don’t think that is a prerequisite to move forward. In my many decades of political struggle, I took the position our reality is one of ethnic/racial interest and the Europe-centric conception of the state and politics is not in the best interest of our multiethnic/racial society. The genesis of the WPA was ASCRIA/ IPRA collaboration: Ascria an African organisation, and IPRA, an Indian organisation, both committed to ethnic and national interests. What I struggled with for is to achieve a reconfiguration of the state and politics to reflect and allow us as a nation to realise our potential. Much of this needed discussion has been sidelined to the impera-
tive of party politics and elections. As a political practitioner, I am searching for a consensus that is rooted in the reality that allows us to move forward in defense of the national patrimony in the face of unprecedented new political challenges with the emergency of the oil and gas sector. My hope is that struggling together with full recognition of our ethnic interest will create a workable solution.On the second question, what is being asked is a WPA position - as against my personal position. As such, I am unable to give a party position since we are dealing with party positions that cover many decades, and it is far too openended a question. As far as my recollection permits, the WPA in none of its official statements or public utterances ever referred to African Guyanese, PPP leaders as, “House Negroes”. But in some sense, Dev answered his own question in his letter with his reference to “tokens”. For a long time, both major parties have used the presence of a few “ethnic others” in their ranks as “proof” of their multiracial credentials. This sometimes involves strategic “token” displays (including the employment of popular musicians) meant to deflect from their disregard of the racial dignity for the base
of supporters of the political party seen as the “other”. In more modern times, this strategy has been most visibly associated with recent PPP/C governments. And it will be perceived as mere symbolic camouflage and typical of how Republicans in the United States use a smattering of African-Americans as “evidence” of their multiracial character or “support” from the African-American electorate in the US. I agree with Dev about “ethnic impact statements” (since it was a position taken years ago by the WPA in the parliament by our then MP Brother Eusi Kawayana): the major political parties must go further and educate themselves in dealing with the other, not from the comfort of token gestures, but in fully understanding of the dignity of the racial group who were never traditionally part of their electoral support. This requires hard work and genuine commitment. This was not evident in the nasty behaviour by the government and party evident with the recent passing of the National Resources Fund Bill and their treatment of other groups including racial groups. I end by stating that this response represents my best judgement at this moment. Yours sincerely, Tacuma Ogunseye
The NRF bill is not complete DEAR EDITOR, The NRF bill was a step in the correct direction, but it is far from complete. Many are calling for safeguards and penalties that directly deal with any misuse of funds. Although the current laws do address this issue indirectly, putting in place laws specifically to address this issue would help calm concerns and also ensure there is the level of accountability expected around the management of the NRF. The current Administration should also consider whether the management and selection process they have outlined will be one that they can comfortably live with if they were in the opposition. The President does continue to hold the final say as to who will lead the decision making on the funds. After witnessing the recent chaos in Parliament, many of us would be more comfortable if a more neutral and objective decision-making process was used. On a more fundamental note, the funds in the NRF should have a minimum amount held in place to cover
the expenses of decommissioning wells, the cleanup of a major oil spill and or cyanide spill. Omai does have a history with Guyana and their record is concerning. It wasn’t too long ago that there was dead fish floating along the river near their mining operations. In my younger days, you could go fishing in front of your home without a worry of contamination. There was a story that our elders use to tell us that is important to remember. A foreigner came to visit and saw a Guyanese fishing in his hammock. The foreigner told him to build a large boat so he could catch a lot of fish and sell them for money, which he could then use to build all sorts of things and then he would have enough left over to have fun. The Guyanese asked the foreigner what kind of fun would he be able to have? The foreigner told him that he could go fishing without a worry in the world. The Guyanese told him that he is already fishing without a worry in the world. Given the current developments in the country, the fish may become contaminated
with oil and cyanide by the time it reaches the dinner table. We may end up having to buy it from the fish farms. Comrades, it is good to have progress, but we must remember to eat a little and live long. The current approach by the EPA, the ongoing questionable performance of the airport improvement project and the need for thorough fiscal audits across a number of sectors do not leave that sense of safety and trust that would say we have nothing to worry about. Ongoing flooding is getting worse and handouts / hampers are a bandaid that will not fix the major problems coming on the horizon. If our country is going to survive major climate change and preserve the pristine and healthy environment we are all used to, then the investments planned to be made with the NRF must clearly eliminate the perils before us. Thus far, the planned investments do not clearly do this, and the current Administration must take a brave step forward towards clearly addressing the flooding, the risks the country will face in the resource
extraction sectors and the significant increase seen in COVID-19 cases. Define what is the minimum needed to cover the critical expenses in the event of an emergency and ensure those funds are always available. This is much more important than using the available funds to build a pipeline during a period in our country’s history when project overages are becoming a norm. If the current forecasted earnings for the country is true, then every household will be that much closer to being millionaires. This should be enough motivation to those who have been given an opportunity to lead to make the best long-term decisions in the best interest of all Guyanese. There is no need for greed, theft and irresponsible decision-making. Ensure that when you have your share that you can enjoy it in an environment where your health is not compromised. Unfortunately, man has a tendency to be self destructive if left to do as he pleases. More reason to ensure that as a society, we not (Continued on page 6)
Saturday January 08, 2022
Part II – The Rise of Personnel Management DEAR EDITOR It was out of one of BSE’s dynamic Personnel Officers’ Conference in 1965, that two fledgling Personnel Officers – from Uitvlugt Estate and Blairmont Estate, moved and had agreed a motion to establish a Personnel Practitioners’ Fraternity. In a historic initiative, the first conference of Personnel Officers in Government and Industry was convened in March the same year, at the Public Service Training Centre then located at Red House, High Street, Kingston. The main presenters were the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, who spoke on “Personnel Administration Practice in the Public Service of British Guiana”; and BSE’s Education and Training Officer on “Personnel Management in Industry in British Guiana”. The fortyone participants included the following representatives: ·The Public Service Commission ·Public Service Training Centre ·Ministry of Works and Hydraulics ·Transport and Harbours Department ·Mayor and City Council of Georgetown ·General Post Office ·Private Companies – Sprostons Ltd, Wieting & Richter Ltd. ·The Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee ·Bookers Sugar Estates ·Demerara Company ·Guyana Sugar Producers Association ·Booker Group of Companies As a result of that very productive interaction, the National Personnel Officers Association was conceived, and its Memorandum of Articles of Association was officially registered on April 30, 1966. The records show that amongst the earlier training courses mounted by the Association was one on “Communication in the Organisation”, which ran for various groups on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – from June 29 – July 14, 1967. Noteworthy was the degree of participation: from the Ministries of: Agriculture & Natural Resources; Communications; External Affairs; Finance; Health; Housing and
Reconstruction; Labour; and the Public Service Commission. A USAID representative also attended. Lecturers included Martin Carter, Minister of Information; Harold Davis, Chief Personnel Officer, BSE; Edmund Richards, Personnel Manager, Booker Georgetown Group of Companies; David Ford, Permanent Secretary, Public Service Ministry; George DePeana, Secretary, Clerical & Commercial Workers Union (CCWU); Dr. Bertram A. N. Collins, Professor of Public Administration, University of Guyana; Pat Thompson, Executive Director, Bookers Rum Co. Ltd.; and Bob Rosane, Assistant General Manager, Demerara Bauxite Co. Ltd. By 1968, because of the clamour of other management categories to become members, NPOA’s executive had begun to examine the constitutional and name changes required to accommodate a wider membership. It was still under the NPOA’s sponsorship, however, that in September 1969, a series of residential Senior Management Seminars titled: ‘Perspectives of Management’ was conducted by Hugh Barrow, of the Administrative Staff College, Henley, UK. The range of participation was again instructive, including four Government Ministries; three public corporations; private companies – Demerara Bauxite Ltd., Demerara Tobacco Ltd., Guiana Timbers Ltd., Sprostons Ltd., and of course, BSE and Demerara Co. The objectives of the seminars were: a)To study organisation in a changing environment; b)To analyse the behaviour and attitudes of work groups; c)To examine managerial styles; d)To study principles and techniques of: •Management Development •Manpower Planning e) To review the personnel function of management The Association even took some of its training courses into the countryside
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– as far as Rose Hall, Berbice. These addressed such topics as: “Relations between Government and Industry”; “Management Selection and Development”; and a symposium on “Training”. After an extended period of gestation, the NPOA was finally transformed into the Guyana Institute of Management in 1970. Under the new banner, the first of a series of groundbreaking ‘Breakfast Lectures’ was launched at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown. Appropriately, the Guest Speaker was a Guyanese, Jim Adams, a former Labour Officer, who by that time was a Judge of the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago. He spoke to more than 100 top managers from both private and public sectors on: “An Experiment in the Development of an Industrial Relations Jurisprudence” which was reproduced in the new GIM Quarterly called: “Developing Management”. Each quarterly featured a ‘Manager-on-the-Spot’. The current environment, however, contrasts quite vividly, for now so much ‘confidentiality’ exists in organisations that Human Resources Management practitioners barely know one another – focused, as they prefer, on ‘downloading’ from the information technology facility that is more readily accessible. Arguably today, with the invasion of a range of foreign sophisticated employment entities, there is a case for regularity in the observance of the applicable human resources regulations, so that employers do not subvert one another, conceivably to the detriment of the local employee, and to the possible embarrassment of union representation which appears to be subject to aggressive diminution. There is a substantive case for a consensus in maintaining, and indeed upgrading, the sanctity of the human spirit in an age of rampant technology. He/she must continue to earn the respect of their progeny. E.B. John Human Resources Management Executive
Discontinue face-to-face classes, extend school days after pandemic DEAR EDITOR, It is mass self-destruction to open school while COVID-19 is on the increase. In the past few days, over one thousand new cases of the pandemic have been reported and there are much more unreported cases. It has infiltrated into the schools and infected teachers and students. Yet schools have been reopened for all students, even the ones between three and four years old. Why this rush to reopen schools? Who is advising the Minister of Education and making policy decisions? In other countries, hit by
hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters, schools are shutdown and the missing days made up for by extending the school year afterwards. After the pandemic, which would not last forever, schools can have less holidays - one month in August, two weeks in December, and have classes on Saturdays to make up for loss instruction. Further, only Grade Eleven students and other Grade students, those taking exams, should be allowed to attend classes. They would have more space in uncongested areas
and have less chance of being infected. When the entire school attends classes, students are more vulnerable and the results can be catastrophic to all. We must bear in mind that the poor people are the most vulnerable (evidenced by the collapse house at Bonasika where two died). Many children of the rich attend private schools or have in-house tutors. Let good judgement prevail—lives are more important than instant gratification. Sincerely, Karan Chand Region 2 Resident
How will the new ACT establish an arm’s-length Sovereign Wealth Fund insulated from political interference? DEAR EDITOR, How can the Government justify that it is promoting inclusive, participatory, responsive and representative decisionmaking at all levels, when it rushed through the multi-generational Natural Resource Fund Act without giving all stakeholders
adequate opportunities to make submissions and raise their concerns? How can the Government claim that the new Act reduces the power of politicians? The new Act seems to give power to more politicians when compared to the previous Act, which gave too much power only to the
Minister of Finance. How will the new ACT establish an arm’s-length Sovereign Wealth Fund insulated from political interference? This is the promise made by the PPP/C in its 2020 manifesto. Regards Muhammad Alli
In a time of testing, the worst in us comes out DEAR EDITOR, We have a problem situation on our hands with these COVID-19 surges. Relative to our prior circumstances, I would have to say, we are in some part of local super surge equivalents. I regret to share that it could be early days yet, given our traditional behaviours, because I sense the reports are still coming in, and that the willful ignorance displayed at many levels will cost us severely. Just like it did in other places. Because of what is involved, and despite the utter unwisdom of our collective reactions, I must still refrain from calling it a crisis, because I don’t think that the alarming helps in times like these. It is enough to state that what
we have is nothing less than troubling. That is bad enough, perhaps still beyond our control. But given our responses, it is completely mystifying that we are still playing games, that these mixed signals are still around, and totally objectionable that we find it necessary to be bickering and wrangling. In a time demanding real men, the best that we can come up with are the madmen with which this society is more than abundantly gifted. How could we be carrying on like this at a
time like this is baffling to me. We either have a concerning problem or we don’t; either way, let’s get on with it. If the former is on the money, then let it be said, so that the sane could take proper precautions. For too long, the powers have gone it alone and got by. For too long, nobody - not a single soul from any one side - has had the courage, the integrity, the national pride and national spirit - to take the first step and make that first call and initiate (Continued on page 06)
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Linden man who attacked reputed wife, critical following vigilante beating - had complained to relatives about also being abused Police in Linden are investigating the circumstances surrounding the ‘vigilante attack’ on a Lindener who allegedly beat his reputed wife to her head with a wood, fracturing her skull and breaking her arm. The man, 28-year-old Anthony Luke, is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), following the attack. According to police reports, Luke attempted to flee the scene when the victim’s uncle and nephew were alerted and they went behind the suspect along with other public-spirited persons during which he was caught, assaulted and then handed over to the police. According to his relatives, he suffered head injuries and had to undergo surgery yesterday at GPHC. One a relative said Luke was also a victim of physical abuse in the relationship and the incident in question stemmed out of provocation. Luke reportedly recently reached out to family members, expressing his frustration over the way he being was treated in the relationship, including being beaten. Two nights before the incident, Luke secretly recorded a conversation between him and his reputed wife and sent it to his mother as proof of what was transpiring in the relationship. In the recordings, heard by Kaieteur News, Luke was confronting his reputed wife about her beating him behind his head with a heavy object just the night before and she could be heard hurling expletives at him. In a voice note sent to another relative, he relayed how he was constantly expe-
Saturday January 08, 2022
Ministry of Finance putting Staff’s health at risk DEAR EDITOR A Ministry of Finance staff showed COVID-19 symptoms at work and was subsequently tested positive. The Ministry quickly took action and arranged for all members of that depart-
ment to be tested. However, they were told to continue going to work rather than isolating themselves until the test results become available. Talking about cart before the horse! Now, others are showing symptoms and may have spread the virus to many other
staff. That doesn’t make any sense at all. Whoever is making these decisions at the Ministry is not only uncaring but very reckless. Regards A very concerned Guyanese
In a time of testing, the worst...
The injured, Anthony Luke riencing physical, verbal and financial abuse. The two shared a sixyear-old relationship with two children together. “She try knocking me, she tried choking me, she pelt me with a tool to open the door and I just ain’t do nothing buddy, I just give up,” he was heard telling a family member via voice note. “Just know that if I become a beast, I tried, I really tried, I wuk and give she all me money…” The family member said, by time they got to the scene of the attack, he was bleeding profusely and shackled by the police as his reputed wife was being taken away in an ambulance. “We are not saying he was right to hit her, he should have walked away but he was abused too and we want his side to be told, we also want the police to investigate who beat him and bring them to
justice,” the family member asserted. Luke is currently under police guard at GPHC, while his reputed wife is also warded at the institution. Her condition is listed as stable. According to the victim’s 14-year-old son, about 17:00 hours last Tuesday, the victim and suspect came home from work together and they went to the eastern side of the house and began talking. He then saw the suspect entered the house and then went back outside and he then heard the victim speaking in a loud tone but could not hear exactly what she was saying because his computer speakers were on. He suddenly heard the victim scream and he rushed out to the side of the house where he saw the victim laying face down motionless with the suspect stooping over her with a piece of wood lashing to the back of her head. On seeing that, he ran inside the house, grabbed a cutlass and returned to the suspect who threw a longer wood at him, then ran into a gulley area.
From page 5 that first offer with arm extended. We need it as a nation, and not the bluster and buffoonery that have characterised the past few days. What happened with our sense of decency, some regard for honesty? We don’t have any situation under control. I say to hell with that, and be done with that nonsense. Nothing is further from the truth, and with that comes the wisdom to appreciate the power of our present danger. Let better sense prevail, and I think we may have some of it still left. It must be none other than this: heads put together, arms linked, shoulders at the wheel. Yes, I admit readily that the territory underfoot is slippery and largely unknown; but it must not remain untouched and untested for one second longer. The moment has come for us to cease adding to our stock of foolishness. To all I say, get off the election horse, even as it continues to trample us, even when we delight in reassuring ourselves that we have beaten it to death. We have not succeeded at anything of the sort. And unless, this is our present resolve, what is in front of us would leave us none the wiser; except that we are dead, and with our boots on. And that we could have done better, but didn’t.
I emphasise that we must have the common sense to recognise that what is in the midst of us could be the death of us, should there be insistence of walking as we have done the last two years. We will fall like flies with our mouths open to argue, but our minds closed to anything resembling some needed good sense, some care for the greater good, some understanding of our terrible vulnerabilities. I go somewhere else to remind us all of something else from a matter of mere months ago. We had what was then declared to be our worst natural disaster. Whether I agree or not is irrelevant but I stand here with this: what we have right now before us is worst; it is not by inches since there is no comparison. This is clear and present danger; and anybody who cannot discern that is beyond remedy. For that reason alone, I take this position: what we have in the works is outrageous. What we have done and not done is mind bending. Why is our curfew still at the comical level that it is, given what rages with increasing intensity? This should not be, not when I heard a man of relevant learning appealing to citizens in the midst of today’s (Thursday) spike to stay indoors. We had better get this
thing right, and I caution that the window of opportunity is narrow to the point of being tight. On another note, with early reports of 65 teachers and 44 students stricken, our schools should not remain open. Anybody who thinks otherwise leaves me no option but to think the absolute worst of him or her. I would make an a llowance for Grades 11 and 12 students only due to the proximity of examinations. Besides those children, the others should be in the protection of their homes, if only to afford us time and space to collect our senses, gather the facts, and weigh our options. As I consider all this, I have to ask myself who is protecting whom and why? I go further, in the middle of a national priority, why is there still present, still these precedents of other priorities. The bottom line is this: in the centre of what amounts to a national hour of challenge, there must be a national response. Any other way would be representative of the worst failure, the most denounceable dereliction of responsibility, of abandonment of duty. I close: we have a problem; f ailure is not an option. Going it alone will hurt. Sincerely, GHK Lall
The NRF bill is not .. From page 4 only self regulate, but also hold those given an opportunity to lead accountable for his / her actions with clear policies and laws that ensure transparency and good long-term decisionmaking. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday January 08, 2022
Kaieteur News
A mother and her child are no more, because their dilapidated house collapsed and killed them. It is sad that in 2022, we still have citizens living in abject poverty with no hope of a better quality of life. Are our leaders paying attention? Pitiful handouts and colourful language will not improve our people’s existence, not when our leaders have given up our nation to be plundered from every side.
If managed properly, our nation has enough wealth to ensure that no one has an impoverished existence.
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Saturday January 08, 2022
Four pleads not guilty to killing Berbice trio in 2016
N
early six years after the brutal shooting to death of Pawan Chandradeo, his son, Jaikarran Chandradeo, and his brother-in-law Naresh Rooplall, four men made their appearances at the Berbice High Court, before Justice Sandil Kissoon, on Wednesday last, to answer to the charges.
Jairam Chetram, Ta m e s h w a r J a g m o h a n , called “Guana,” Carlton Chetram called “Lie-man” and Rakesh Karamchand called “Rocky,” all pleaded not guilty, to the three counts each of murder, which alleged that on the July 21, 2016, in the county of Berbice, they murdered Rooplall, Chandradeo and his then 15-year-old son.
The trial is set to commence on January 10, with a 12 member jury already empanelled. The State will be represented by Prosecutor, Abigail Gibbs while the accused are being represented by Attorney-atL a w, S e n i o r C o u n s e l Mursaline Bhaccus. Previous reports by this publication had detailed that the bodies of Chandradeo,
his son Jaikarran, both of Mibicuri North Black Bush Polder, and Naresh Rooplall, of Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, were found on July 22, in the ‘Cookrit’ Savannah—Black Bush Polder. According to reports, when police found the deceased, their corpses bore gaping gunshot wounds
MURDER ACCUSED: Rakesh Karramchan
to the head and upper bodies. Their bodies were discovered by a rice farmer of Black Bush Polder and his workmen. It was reported that the then 13-year-old Alvin Chandradeo, who accompanied his father Pawan and brother Jaikarran, was left at a pump station on a dam, while the others went
MURDER ACCUSED: Carlton Chetram
further into the Savannah to fish. The lad stayed at the pump station, from where he reportedly heard gunshots. In October 2018, the four men were committed to stand trial in the High Court for the brutal murders. A fifth man, who was charged with accessory after the fact, was granted $2M bail in 2016.
MURDER ACCUSED: Jairam Chetram
MURDER ACCUSED: Tameshwar Jagmohan
Murdered: From left: Pawan and Jaikarran Chandradeo and Naresh Rooplall
Man from Three Friends charged for neighbour’s death A labourer residing in the Region 10 community of Three Friends Mines, was on Tuesday last, charged for manslaughter that was allegedly committed in May 2021. The victim, Ronald Wong’s lifeless body, was found in a boat close to his home with chop wounds. Wong’s 58-year-old uncle, Leonard Reece’s lifeless body was also found that same day in the yard. The accused, Terrence Pancham, appeared at the Linden Magistrates Court, before Magistrate Wonda Fortune and was not required to plea to the indictable offence. He was placed on $400,000.00 bail and is expected to return to court on January 21, 2021. It was initially reported that Wong and Reece, wounded each other which result in their demise. It was unclear who the perpetrator was and who was defending themselves. Neighbours however, had suggested that Wong attacked Reece, since he was of unsound mind and was convicted for
Charged for Manslaughter, Terrence Pancham attempted murder. With Pancham being charged, it is suggested that he allegedly attacked Wong, after Wong attacked Reece. Commander of Region 10, Hugh Winter, said that based on the statements taken, advice was sought and Pancham was charged with manslaughter. The trio, he said lived in the same vicinity.
Boy 13, died of dehydration, family fully recovers A Post Mortem Examination which was conducted on Thursday last by Pathologist, by Dr. Nehaul Singh, gave the cause of death f o r 1 3 - y e a r- o l d R o n d e l H e n r y a s dehydration. This, weeks after the teen and his family reportedly consumed an unknown, locally made substance and shortly after started experiencing complications including diarrhea and vomiting. A few hours after consumption, Henry reportedly became motionless at home and was pronounced Dead on Arrival at the Mabaruma Regional
Hospital. His remaining family members were also rushed to the hospital. Region One Police Commander, Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud told Kaieteur News that there was no trace of poison found in the body and that additional samples have been taken to further investigate what caused the victims to experience complications that lead to dehydration, causing Henry to die. Meanwhile, the deceased relatives, who were hospitalized, have fully recovered and have been discharged.
Saturday January 08, 2022
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Kaieteur News
A tough year lies ahead Guyanese must continue to brace themselves for increased food prices, at least for the first quarter of the year. The rise in global food prices have been compounded by a steep increase in shipping costs, the latter which is said to have it origins in the pandemic. Consumers are already hurting. They have seen a steep rise in almost all food items and in other products. And this has hit their pockets hard. The rise in the local cost of living, particularly for food items, cannot be attributed to predatory pricing. It is due almost entirely to external factors and particularly the increase in global food items. A recent report coming out of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has confirmed that global food prices spiked during 2020. The FAO’s food index increased in 2021 by almost 30 percent over that of 2020, the highest in more than 10 years. The prices in almost all food groups showed increases. The price of cereal grew by 27.2 percent with maize increasing by 44.1 percent and wheat by 31.3 percent. No wonder bread prices have increased at home. Interestingly, rice prices declined by 4 percent. Guyana therefore is not likely to benefit from the increase in food prices even though sugar prices saw a late surge last year. Guyanese consumers suf-
fered a shock last year when the price of cooking oil spiked. This was a major complaint by consumers since it is a commodity in great demand. Vegetable oil is the cheapest and most widely used cooking oil in Guyana. Yet, according to the FAO, the price of vegetable oil increased in 2020 by a massive 65.8 percent. Meat increased by more than 12 percent, and dairy products by 16.9 percent. There was a marginal dip in food process in December of 2021. But this is not likely to be felt in consumers’ pockets. The prices of locally produced vegetables soared in 2020 on account of the devastating floods of May and June which left farmlands under many feet of water. Production is now only being regularised but the prices of vegetables and fruits remains extremely high locally. Sugar again underperformed. The floods of 2021 destroyed large tracts of the cultivation at Albion, the industry’s largest producer. As a result the production was dismal. The prospects for a decline in food prices are not good. Already some countries are predicting increases in food prices. Canada is predicting a 5 – 7 percent increase in food prices. Both Britain and the USA have projected an increase in food prices this year. The FAO has also painted
a bleak future in respect to food prices. One top official said, “The high cost of inputs, ongoing global pandemic and even more uncertain climatic conditions leave little room for optimism about a return to more stable market conditions even in 2022.” Against the grim backdrop, it is not surprising that President Ali has said that Guyana is likely to face challenges this year. Mindful of the challenges ahead, the President conceded in his New Year’s address to the nation that “it might be much harder to create the conditions that will truly make the New Year a happy one for all.” He was effectively sounding an early warning that the cost of living is expected to appreciate further this year. And at the back of his mind has to be the increases in the cost-of-living and especially the rise in the cost of food, both imported and local. The local agricultural sector, already highly vulnerable to natural disasters, faces a major hurdle. In 2020, the price of fertiliser, a key input in production, especially in the sugar industry, increased. More bad news is on the way. Fertiliser prices are continuing to increase as a result of the rise of the price of oil. Countries such as China and Russia are curbing fertiliser exports in the face of the need to ensure adequate supplies for their own needs. This will place greater pressure on process and on the affordability of food.
Dem boys seh ...
Nuff talking but little listening Is sheer melody going on in de PNC/R. Decisions being made and some ah de decisions gan lead to confrontation. De man seh how he nah want to be no Maximum Leader. But de party had other ideas – or rather de Central Executive had other ideas. Dem decide dat de man muss be both de Leader of de party and de Leader of de Opposition. And to crown it all dem also want he fuh be Representative of de List. So is who listening to who? De leader listening
to de party or de party listening to de leader? De party miss a beat though. Dem fuhget dat de Leader of de Opposition position is nah fuh dem fuh decide. De PNC/R nah contest no general and regional elections since 2011. Is de APNU+AFC contest and is de APNU+AFC dat gat fuh decide. And dem done decide. De PNC/R nah gat no veto power over dat decision. One faction bin try fuh stap de APNU from accepting cardboard parties as members.
But dem fail and now is de AFC and de APNU wah gat fuh decide. De PNC/R is only one member of de APNU+AFC. Dat is democracy fuh yuh at wuk. De PNC/R is a member of the APNU and de leader of de APNU is a Soulja Bai. And he is also representative of de List. So dem gat to convince he, not Harmon, dat he put it to de APNU and to de AFC dat de new leader should become de Leader of de Opposition. Talk half and wait fuh de confrontation!
This year, 2022, will be a tough year for all. Guyanese have to brace themselves and ‘band their bellies’ because rising food prices are not likely to abate
anytime soon. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Saturday January 08, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Basil Williams and Clement Rohee: We all ride away someday
I
was 16 years old when I began knocking around the PPP. Shortly after, I got to know Clement Rohee. This means I have known Rohee a very long time but my knowledge of him was cut short after he became a minister in 1992. There was a drastic and abrupt disconnection after 1992. For most of the seventies and eighties, I would say I chatted with Rohee in our common meeting place – the trenches. I lost complete contact with him after he became a minister. I didn’t know Rohee any longer. But naturally as part of my work I had to study him. So I continued to analyse his politics. I am yet to read his expensive autobiography which is available on Amazon for a deterring price of $63 American dollars. That price is simply crazy. I would say Basil Williams would be the closest fit for Rohee in the PNC. Williams and I entered UG as freshmen the same year – 1974. I have known him since then but not in the way I knew Rohee. I
had an ongoing political relationship with Rohee. I never had such with Williams. It was during the long years of the PNC in the political wilderness – 1992 2015 that I got to know Williams better. There was one striking difference in the way both men related to me. It had to do with their ideological training. Rohee was deeply communist. He, along with Donald Ramotar, spent eight years in what was then known as Czechoslovakia as the PPP’s representative on the editorial board of the journal produced by the world communist movement – World Marxist Review. Rohee would never offer an objective criticism of wrongheaded people in the PPP, no matter how flawed they were. Three reasons explained that. Rohee’s training as an apparatchik would prevent him from ever mentioning a harmless criticism of any of his PPP comrades. He was an extremely insecure person and this would have prevented him from
speaking too freely. Thirdly, he had an intense loyalty to Mrs. Janet Jagan. Williams on the other hand has always been a self-assured person, always armed with his selfconceptualisation that he is brighter than any other Guyanese politician. He had the West Indian politician characteristics in him, so open words of disagreement with his PNC colleagues would come naturally to him. Both Williams and Rohee have ridden away into the sunset. Their careers are over. Williams did not contest any leadership post at the PNC congress. His chance of being in the general council of the PNC is through the route of being selected by the leader. Effectively we have seen the end of his PNC career given his age of late sixties. Rohee spends his time at the Cheddi Jagan Library at Red House. He has done the right thing – published his memoir. Given the direction the PNC is heading, it is doubtful the new PNC leadership will reclaim Basil. Given the
direction the PPP government is heading, it is doubtful Rohee will become a minister or high state official again. Why would the career of both men not be refurbished by their respective party? Both men have a trait in them that the current hierarchy of both parties will not take a chance with. Williams and Rohee have an ingrained proclivity to alienate people rather than attract them. From the time Cheddi Jagan became leader of the PPP and Burnham the PNC, no other highlevel leader in the PPP and PNC have failed to get people to admire and embrace them as Rohee and Williams. This is what my long years in politics have taught me. I say in all honesty, from 1992 to 2015 when PPP supporters spoke to me, they put Rohee down last on their list of PPP ministers they like. PPP aficionados and civil servants had nothing positive to say about Rohee. All, PNC supporters, without exception, found Williams
Frederick Kissoon to be the PNC minister they least wanted to have a relationship with. I am not writing this because it is my interpretation. It is what people have said to me. I give you one example. Rohee and I were arrested outside Parliament in 1989 when we were protesting what the WPA called Hoyte’s vampire budget. I heard from the picket line, a leading bigwig of the WPA made a nasty statement that was tantamount to schadenfreud. Rohee was the least popular figure in the PPP for WPA leaders. I know AFC leaders put Williams down as the least preferred minister from the PNC. No one has explained it but the fact is these two politicians generally turned people off. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
PNC/R wants Norton to replace Harmon as Opposition Leader
T
h e P e o p l e ’s N a t i o n a l Congress Reform (PNC/R) faction, of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, have decided that they want to be led in Parliament by their newly elected Party leader, Aubrey Norton, who will take the place of the current Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon. Norton made the disclosure yesterday during a press engagement and was keen to note that even though the Party members have made their decision, he is yet to discuss the matter with Harmon on the way forward. “The Party Central Executive (Committee) has decided that the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Party should be one person… it is not that it is I who believe that, it is the Central Executive that met, discussed it and arrived at
that conclusion.” He said, “one of the arguments they made, is that it has been the convention in the Party and the second argument, is that it provides for better coordination and control of the activities of the Party and for better strategising to ensure efficacy.” In this regard, he said that a decision is likely to be made by mid next week. According to him, the Leader of the Party and the representative of the list has been one or the same person, historically, but this had changed since the PNC joined the Coalition. He noted that some compromises were made which allowed for the modification. Nonetheless, “at the last election, it was again placed back together and we have therefore returned to the tradition, which we believe, is in the best interest of the party and the country,” Norton pointed
Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton
out. With regard to pulling Harmon from Parliament, given that his title as Opposition Leader would be stripped, meaning a seat may not be available to him
anymore, the Party leader cautioned, “I do not want to go out there and to say to the world, we would recall anybody.” He explained saying, “just like how I said to you, the issue of the Leader of the Opposition was discussed at Central Executive, the Central Executive will in due time address all of these issues and when the decision is made, we will communicate it to you”. Although he described himself as ‘competent’ enough to represent the voters in the National
Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon
Assembly, Norton told reporters that he does not intend to be a “maximum leader” but a “servant type” one that allows all stakeholders involvement so as to reflect the “collective will.” To this end, he related, “…to the extent that the Party has already said that I should be the leader of the Opposition, I think it follows ipso facto that I should be in the Parliament”. In response to Norton’s statements, the Office of the Leader of the Opposition sent out a brief statement
urging that the Party follow the established procedures. It said, “The main Parliamentary Opposition is the APNU+AFC coalition and consists of 31 Members of Parliament. The APNU Partnership has an established structure and if the executive of a party in the partnership has a position and they wish to express that position; they should follow the established procedures. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition is a constitutional office and is consequently governed by the constitution”.
Saturday January 08, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Saturday January 08, 2022
Govt. invites firms to review Exxon’s - to be completed in US$9B Yellowtail project less than two months The Ministry of Natural Resources on Thursday last issued an invitation for interested consultancy firms, to provide their technical and financial proposals by January 20, 2021, to review the Field Development Plan (FDP) for ExxonMobil’s US$9B Yellowtail Project in the Stabroek Block. The bid documents state that the firms are required to c o n s i d e r G u y a n a ’s
legislative and contractual framework, international best practices and industry standards, and the specific conditions present in Guyana, then proceed to conduct an in-depth review of the Yellowtail Field Development Plan (FDP). Government said, the review must include all supporting and reference documentation, along with the related Environmental
Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) submitted by the Stabroek Block Licensees. It was further noted, that the review must include at minimum, an assessment of the strategy and the development model, as well as the criteria for the choices that have been made by the Licensees, including cost effectiveness, and potential alternatives; engineering, geological and geophysical
interpretations, simulations, and estimations, including recovery factor efficiency using natural gas injection and available natural gas for export; and the well and reservoir management s t r a t e g y, t a k i n g i n t o consideration the government’s objectives of maximizing the recovery of hydrocarbon resources and having no gas flared. Interested firms would
also be expected to review documents pertaining to the proposed oil and gas surface facilities, the associated financial models, economic analyses and cost estimates and reports, towards ensuring financial optimization of oil and gas recovery profiles; the Health, Safety, Environment and Social (HSES) impacts and proposed mitigation; the Decommissioning Plan and Budget; the natural gas utilization plan for the field; and the overall risk management strategy. A c c o r d i n g t o government, the successful firm would be required to examine how ExxonMobil and its partners have incorporated the learnings from previous FDPs and related studies, as well as identifying how the Licensees have addressed these findings in the context
of a new FDP. Consideration would also have to be given to any revisions needed to ensure deficiencies have been adequately addressed. Furthermore, Kaieteur News understands that, the successful applicant would be required to prepare a report, setting out the opinions formed in the evaluation of the FDP and ESIA, addressing at minimum, compliance or non-compliance with the requirements of the existing legislative and industry standards including any deficiencies, unresolved issues and areas of additional assessments or technical analysis that the government should request before making a determination on the FDP. According to the government, it expects support for the Natural (Continued on page 17)
Map showing the location of the Yellowtail project in the Stabroek Block
Kaieteur News
Saturday January 08, 2022
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Stand up against this heist of Guyana’s resources …as Glenn Lall slams hurried passage of new oil fund law …says Ali’s Act gives more powers to President, Minister The rushed signing into law of the new Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act, is an extremely evil act and citizens are called upon stand against it, Publisher of the Kaieteur News, and Radio Host, Glenn Lall said. He also charged that contrary to President Irfaan Ali’s assertion, the new law (which his administration used its one-seat majority to pass last week) invests more powers in the government through the President and F i n a n c e M i n i s t e r, t o manipulate the fund and also appoint government sympathizers to sit on critical committees. Lall, who had called for a protest against, last week’s passage of the bill, said the manoeuvres by the PPP/C government, was a wellplanned and orchestrated move by the hierarchy of the administration. As such he asked, whether as a nation, citizens will sit back “like lambs being led to the slaughter,” or demand that all these “corrupt deals and laws be changed.” There has been widespread condemnation of the new NRF law, with a sleuth of civil society organisations, media houses and ordinary citizens criticising its provisions and the enormous powers vested
Kaieteur News Publisher and Advocate for a better oil deal, Mr. Glenn Lall (at Centre) was at the forefront of protest actions against the New Natural Resources Fund law in the President to appoint members of the governing board and other committees. The opposition since has also vowed to keep up the pressure on the government regarding the new law, promising to challenge its controversial passage in the National Assembly last week. “I came out of my house and did a special Christmas Day programme to enlighten you guys on this law that the Ali administration was rushing to shove down our throats. I called for you guys to join me in a protest, some of you guys came out but I had expected half of Guyana to show up,” Lall said on Monday, during his weekly radio programme ‘The Glenn Lall Show.’ An advocate for a “better
oil deal,” which includes the renegotiation of the ExxonMobil contract that gives Guyana only 2 percent royalty, Lall told citizens: “if drastic changes do not h a p p e n i m m e d i a t e l y, Guyana will become one million times worse off than some of those African and Asian countries that are producing oil, but because of their corrupt leaders their countries have become impoverished.” Lall asserted that none of the oil contracts in the world resembles the one Guyana signed with ExxonMobil and which the PPP/C Government said, it will not renegotiate—although they criticised it while in opposition less than two years ago. Lall said too, that all the
Man killed friend in row over gold remanded Behind bars in a Guyanese prison on remand, is a Venezuelan man who allegedly killed his friend with a piece of wood on New Year’s Day, during a row about ‘owed gold.’ The suspect, since identified as Elith Osorio Dominguez, 21, of Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, was yesterday charged with the murder of Animal Sonja, 51, at Arau Mountain Top located in the Cuyuni district of Region Seven. He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and was not required to plea to the indictable charge. The Magistrate remanded him to prison and he is scheduled to make his next court appearance on March 14, 2022. According to reports, Dominguez and Sonja were friends and had arrived at Arau sometime back, to work in the mine there. Their friendship reportedly soured over a quantity of raw gold that Dominguez reportedly owed the victim. On old year’s night, Dominguez had gone over to his sister’s camp to welcome the New Year with a celebration. Sonja was present too but the festivities soon came to an abrupt end around 02:45hrs New Year’s morning, after an argument reportedly broke out between the suspect and the victim over the owed gold.
Elith Osorio Dominguez, appearing yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to be charged with his friends murder. The row reportedly turned violent after Dominguez allegedly found a piece of wood and lashed Sonja to his head. Sonja reportedly fell to the ground and remained still while Dominguez allegedly ran away. The victim was later pronounced dead by a medical professional and police were able to apprehend Dominguez later that day in Kaikan—a village close to the Arau Mountain top.
countries in the world have set up NRFs, with proper rules, regulations and stiff penalties including jail time for officials who misuse it. “But…Guyana has no oil contract that benefits anyone of us and the oil law they rushed through Parliament last Wednesday night in 20 minutes and signed into law before cock crow Thursday morning is not evil, but extremely evil…” the businessman stated. Coalition vs. PPP Among reasons given to justify the changes and repeal of the old law, President Ali said, it was passed by the coalition after the administration fell by a no-confidence motion and that the PPP/C had no input. He went on to say, the law had a set of flaws that they wanted to correct and that it had no governing body which gave the minister all the power on the oil account. However, Mr. Lall said this is not the case noting that under the coalition’s law there were three sets of committees to overlook the oil fund. “He (Ali) said their law that they pass will reduce the power vested in the minister, then he went on to say he will introduce a board of directors, which will be hand-picked by him, so what that tells you, is that he will have all the power, what he tells them to do they will have to do. Isn’t this the same thing he accused the coalition of doing, he is now doing?” Lall questioned. “Keep your eyes on them Guyana, keep your eyes on these people—they are bad for your health, your livelihood and extremely dangerous for future generations. Yes those little unborn kids.” The President also said that the board will have people from the Private Sector, which drew some cynicism from Lall.
“I had to smile when I heard that. You know why? Because the same Private Sector Commission was invited to sit down at the signing of the Local Content Law, not the oil account law you know. That one was signed secretly the day before; early in morning before cock crow. The nation only knew about it until the following day through a statement put out by government, and the Private Sector Commission was in high praise for both laws. Them is the same people who he boasting about that will be on the oil account money. That is the board he is boasting about that will be independent. You got to love this country and you got to love these corrupt leaders,” Lall stated. Referencing the claim that there will be rigid oversight and scrutiny of the management of the fund with three to 10 years jail for the finance minister not disclosing how much money is deposited and withdrawn from the account, Lall observed, “there is no jail if they abuse the money, not a single day in jail, not even an hour….” Fellow citizens, did you hear the President say anything about if the law directs the minister to divulge information on how, who and where your oil money will be invested? No; not a word about that and that is where the abuse of your oil money will pass,” Lall lamented. BETTER OIL CONTRACT Meanwhile, Lall said amid the controversy surrounding the New NRF, Guyana remains disadvantaged by the lopsided oil contract given to ExxonMobil. “Every foreign player in this land fetching out our resources, without any contract whatsoever that protects us, without any law
to safeguard us. On top of this, the leaders of this country passing laws to thief legally. The 2 percent Exxon contract was signed by Raphael Trotman under the Coalition government, in which they gave away 600 oil blocks, when the law stipulates no more than 60. And what Guyana was told? No laws were broken. President Ali not passing law to retrieve the 540 oil blocks from Exxon so we can rake in some billions of US Dollars. Kaieteur and Canje were signed away. If you total the blocks, it is as big as the Stabroek Block and what Guyana was told again? No laws were broken. President Ali and the other financial gurus of this land are not wise enough to enact laws that can correct those highway robberies, of the p e o p l e ’s a s s e t s a n d livelihoods. They were in a rush to pass laws to steal the little money that will be coming in from the oil,” Lall said. Only this week, the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) said that the ‘forceful’ passage of the legislation governing the oil account is in breach of transparency standards and an international agreement Guyana adopted since 2018 that speaks to the inclusion of the public, and access to information – two key ingredients that were lacking when the Bill was passed in the National Assembly on December 29, 2021. The OGGN said too that it is “extremely disappointed” that the Government rushed through the passage of such an important Bill which it even dared to describe as the “mother of all bills”. It said that Guyana is a signatory of the 56-member Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) – the global standard for the good (Continued on page 16)
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Saturday January 08, 2022
Kaieteur News
Saturday January 08, 2022
The Bishops’ High School closes doors as COVID-19 hits institution - classes to resume virtually from Monday School will resume virtually for students attending The Bishop’s High School, after a decision was made yesterday to close it owing to numerous cases of Covid-19 infections among the student and staff population. An earlier notice by the school had called for an early closure of operations on Friday, but this was later revised to shut down the school entirely. “Dear Parents, Good afternoon. As a result of numerous staff and students feeling unwell, the Administration and the Board of Governors of the Bishops’ High School, along with consultation with the Ministry of Education, have given permission for students and teachers to go home at their earliest convenience.” Public schools across the country on Monday reopened, but this has not gone down well with parents as well as the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU). In a statement earlier this week, the union called for the immediate closure of all schools, noting that positive cases have risen exponentially over these last three days in Guyana, especially with the reopening of schools for face-to-face engagement. “The Ministry of Education ignored their own (government) Gazette order for social distancing (6 feet apart) and large gatherings, which were recently issued for January 2022. Also, WHO’s advice to observe one (1) meter apart as acceptable social distance has been
The Bishops’ High School breached with two learners seated in a single bench about a meter long,” the GTU said. According to the union, the most worrying is the number of schools that reported positive cases for teachers and students. “The numbers continue to climb in every education district in Guyana. The union’s datasheet shows that 65 teachers, 44 learners have reportedly tested positive in two days of school. Also, 15 schools were forced to close due to COVID 19 cases. However, some schools are operating despite reporting issues of COVID-19.” As such, the GTU is demanding that all schools be closed immediately, so that the Ministry of Health can conduct a proper assessment before advising on the way forward. “We are aware of the challenges presented by online learning and that reopening schools for face-to-face is our preferred option, but let us be mindful that we need a healthy nation to progress. The rate at which persons are getting sick due to COVID-19 infections has to be addressed now.” It was noted that “the only way to preserve the lives of our children, teachers, and their families is to suspend all face-toface engagements in schools. We depend on the Ministry of Health to tell Guyanese the truth so that we can all work to preserve lives.”
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Manufacturers’ Association unmoved by rush to pass oil laws ...confident new rules will be revised, improved T h e G u y a n a Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) in consideration of the Government’s high priority agenda to pass its oil related legislations, “acknowledges that these policies will be subject to emergent revisions and improvements.” Voicing its support, in a statement for the newly passed laws, GMSA said, “as a major contributor to economic growth in Guyana, the GMSA calls for continued and more participative consultations with private sector support organisations.” As such, it was pointed out that it is expected that recommendations from each industry be fully considered with timely feedback from the government, to successfully develop and reinforce the regulatory strategies with respect to the Local Content Act and the Natural Resource Fund Act. According to GMSA, “this proactive collaboration will therefore guarantee improved capacity-building for private businesses and ensure public-private cooperation.” It was noted too that as Guyana moves into a new dispensation of growth,
GMSA President, Rafeek Khan Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) will play an integral role in the stabilisation and sustainability of the country’s economy and accelerate the national objectives for socioeconomic progress. “In order to maximise the benefits of resource revenues,” the GMSA lauded, “the Government’s recognition that these funds must have strict governance under the management of a Board comprising of a team of specialists with knowledge in international investments and markets.” According to the GMSA, the pieces of legislations are critical to having sound and effective management of the
extractive sectors for Guyana’s economic growth and stability. “The Association therefore extends full support of the passage of the Local Content Policy for the Development of Guyana’s Petroleum Economy and the Natural Resource Fund Bill 2021 legislations, with precedented anticipation that each Bill will provide avenues for the rapid progression of the manufacturing and services value chain,” the statement continued. It noted that as a key contributor to the LCP and the NRF Bill from the initial consultation stages, the “GMSA attests that the government’s inclusion of the private sector assured of its intention for transparency and governance in developing the framework which guides each Bill.” The entity reiterated private-sector representation on the Board “is of critical importance and the GMSA strongly encourages that this representative be meticulously evaluated prior to selection, to ensure the requisite experience, knowledge and expertise are met.” It was noted that the (Continued on page 16)
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VEHICLES FOR SALE Two Model trucks with Winch.Tel:680-6192. 2001 Toyota Mark 2 in excellent condition,low mileage & clean interior. Call:617-8424.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Flat 3 bedroom properties, locationHaslington, Tuschen,Underneeming, Parfaite Harmony other locations available.Tel:223-6035/ 673-6210. Houselot for sale in Culvert City Lethem,2.5M Neg near Airport & ball field.Tel:6583303.
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Repairs and servicing, refridgerator, treadmill, washing machine, stove, pressure pump, filtration system dryer, deepfryer etc 694-9733
WANTED
VACANCY
Porters & Salesgirls.Apply at Best Buy Food Supplies with written application at 1E Dennis C MiddletonSt Campbellville Georgetown.
Cook/Baker/Pitmen and Hauler Operator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced.Call:618-2020 or 231-2250.
One female domestic worker. Age 35-45 yrs old.Contact: 226-7766,call between the hrs of 11-4pm.
One office assistant,must be computer literate between 2540 years. Contact:6238078,220-2034.
Looking for honest & reliable person for light work and to look after person,live in work age 40 up.Tel:231-4933.
Time Clerk,Cleaner,Office Assistant,Labours,Maintenance Workers to work with P.S.G.C.S.Call:621-6969/6157784.
1 Kitchen assistant to work in Mazaruni River.Whatsapp 677-0869 or call:662-7718. Female Cashier/Server for snackette and bar.Tel:6292044. Wanted one secretary 18 to 35yrs.Tel:660-8905,call or whatsapp. Females & Males to work at a car wash located in Campbellville.Tel:619-2292.
PENPAL Male seeks female,ages 18-35 ,for relationship.Call:- 6950331.
Wanted experience taxi driver at Princess Hotel. Contact:616-5419,265-7075,2657076.
African Guyanese male seeks a loving female companion( 30 and above) to live with. Call:603-9085.
FOR SALE One portable massager A/C 240V,$30,000.Call:660-0851. WANTED Civil Engineer with 3 yrs experience, office assistant with experience. Send resume tovandv contracting @ hotmail.com or call/ whatsapp 664-5270. Wanted Machinist.Tel:2235273/621-5907. One male able bodied clerk. Tel:231-2029/616-5954. 1 helper needed,10 yrs experience. Tel:693-6508. FOR RENT APARTMENT FOR RENT AT E.B.D,FULLY FURNISHED 2 SELF-CONTAINED BEDROOMS AC,OWN DRIVEWAY. US$1,100. TEL:647-1773. One apartment for rent.First St Mon Repos E.C.D market street.Tel:614-0005/602-4105. Bobby’s Reality, good for business– 4.018 acres of prime land in New Amsterdam , Berbice. Reduce Price. call 679-2497. Bobby’s Reality,large Property with Huge Concrete Bond, Prime Location Cumberland, Canje. Ideal for Business. Sale or rent. Reduce Price. Call 679-2497. TO LET One bedroom apartment with bathroom & living rooms, Cummingslodge E.C.D. Call: 222-0404 or 673-2467, whatsapp 516-805-2048.
A cook for family of three, light house keeping.Tel:6548839. Receptionist at Hick's Ville Hotel.Tel:640-0673,2310951,227-7714,223-3448, email:info@vgiworld.com. Vegetarian Gardens Accounts Clerk & Porter. Tel:6400673,231-0951,227-7714,2233448,email: info@vgiworld. com. Motor Lorry drivers needed and Porters. Tel:627-1835/ 626-4691. COOK AND MECHANIC TO WORK IN CHARITY. A T T R A C T I V E RENUMERATION, ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED. CONTACT:6880417/600-1199. Live-indomestic, Georgetown.Male & Female for the interior.Tel:632-5459/ 687-7638.
Vacancy exists for male worker to work shift + one female cashier @Del Ice co.Call:231-1408/642-9191. PM shift Cashiers, Accounts Clerk,Porters & Bond Clerks,Western Union CSRS. Tel:609-2995 email: survival.h umanresources @gmail.com. PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT: Accountant/Office Manager. Vat, PAYE, NIS, maintain accounting needs.Tel:223-6035/ 673-6210.
LEGAL NOTICE VACANCY
Pure breed German Shepherd Pups(quality bloodline) black & tan.Contact:6659140. Temperature guns with 9V battery.Price $5,000.Call:6247155. For Sale pure breed german shepherd.Call:648-0111.
Saturday January 08, 2022
Kaieteur News
One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing. Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village. Experienced cashier,counter server,roti/puri cook, cleaners & pastry maker.Apply at Hack's Halaal,5 Commerce St. Vacancy for two experienced Pastry Maker @ Humphrey's Bakery & Farm Products,38 Ketly St Charlestown.Tel:2257864/227-8607. One clerk for TSI Eccles Office,English & Maths grade 1 or 2.Call:615-9132 or email application to tech serigy@yahoo.com. Maid to cook and clean for East Bank areaa.Call:6159132. Vacancy exist for carpenters, porters and apprentice. Contact:624-9506,624-9504,2255818. Pump Attendant/Cashier, shifts (6am-2pm & 2pm10pm).Shell Station Providence E.B.D, email: Shell ramsburg@gmai.com. Minibus Drivers & Taxi Drivers. Tel:225-3234/628-1183. Vacancy exist for 2 office staff with CXC subjects and 1 cleaner at Plantation Ruimveldt.Contact:223-7165/ 625-2573. Driver/Office Assistant.Call or email: 223-4172, elite protectionservicesgy@gmail.com. Cashier to work at Superbet. Tel:618-3575.
2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1466 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO.: FD-1466 BETWEEN: (STRAKER) LEON RICARDO -V-Petitioner/ Applicant (STRAKER) AMANDA JEAN nee WHYTE Respondent to the Respondent AMANDA JEAN STRAKER nee WHYTE Last Known Address Lot 118 No. 77 Housing Scheme, Corriverton Berbice, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 28 day of October, 2021 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by LEON RICARDO STRAKER, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 6" day of December, 2021 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court
Manufacturers’ Association... From page 15 NRF Act will provide a mechanism to enable and accelerate the development and advancement of industries in Guyana. “The country will be positioned to transition from a predominant primary economy to enhanced manufacturing and services industries.” According to the GMSA too, for decades the major hindrances to growth and competitiveness in Guyana have been: limited access to finance, inadequate and poor infrastructure, high energy LEGAL NOTICE at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 28th day of February, 2022 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf at the Family Division of the High Court atGeorgetown.IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 9th day of December, 2021.
costs, outdated technology, and shortage of qualified skills. As such, the body said it is imperative that priority be given in these areas as “we seek to strengthen and diversify the non-oil industries.” “While the GMSA is cognisant that there is much to be done in terms of capacity building among local stakeholders,” it believes that “with the right strategies which include technology transfer and partnership between experienced companies and the local private sector, a sustainable and lucrative pathway can be achieved for Guyanese as we continue to collaborate for more inclusion in local content and natural resource benefits.”
Stand up against this... From page 13 governance of oil, gas and mineral resources, which has seven standards. Standard 1.3 focuses on Civil Society engagement. “In accordance with the civil society protocol, some requirements that must be adhered to by countries implementing the EITI include: Civil society must be fully, actively and effectively engaged in the EITI process; the government must ensure that there is an enabling environment for civil society participation with regard to relevant laws, regulations, and administrative rules as well as actual practice in implementation of the EITI; the fundamental rights of civil society…must be respected, the government must ensure that there are no obstacles to civil society participation in the EITI process; the government must refrain from actions which result in narrowing or restricting public debate in relation to implementation of the EITI,” the specialists reasoned.
Saturday January 08, 2022
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Kaieteur News
Sheriff/Mandela round-about Guyana records another 844 completion date extended again COVID-19 cases in 24hrs The completion date for the $146.7M Sheriff Street, Mandela Avenue roundabout, has been extended to until the end of this month, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal has said. The project which is being constructed by Junior Sammy Guyana Inc., commenced on August 30, 2021, and was expected to be completed on Christmas Eve day last year. Croal has since told Kaieteur News that the construction of the roundabout is tied into the Sheriff Street/ Mandela four-lane Highway and noted that the baseline work for the project is completed and all that is left to be done is the capping of the structure. According to Croal, the roundabout will facilitate the flow of heavy traffic between Mandela Avenue and the new four-lane highway expansion through South Ruimveldt. This, he said, will also ensure minimum disrup-
tion to traffic on Mandela and Aubrey Barker Road. The roundabout will also minimise the traffic build up. Until the road is completed the roundabout will be inaccessible to users, as it would not serve its intended purpose, which is to connect the Sheriff/Mandela road to the new bypass Road to Eccles, East Bank Demerara, Croal said. Croal also told this publication that the existence of the roundabout has to coordinate with the Sheriff/ Mandela highway project which is being constructed by the Chinese contractor, Sinohydro Corporation Limited, under the Ministry of Public works. The road, despite constant delays, is expected to be completed on Valentine’s Day this year. This publication previously reported that the road project, which saw its contract awarded to the Chinese company Sinohydro Corporation, was faced with multiple
delays of deadlines since work commenced in 2018. The company was awarded the contract in 2017 and works began the following year and was supposed to be completed already. One of the excuses given, regarding its repeated failure to meet the project deadline, was that it had to halt works during the five-month gridlock over the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections. Works recommenced after the gridlock was over in August 2020, and a new deadline was set for August 4, 2021. Sinohydro was unable to meet that deadline, and another one was set for August 31, 2021. That too was missed, and the company was granted until October, 31, 2020. Still unable to meet that deadline, due to heavy rainfall, Croal has now advised of a new date at February 14, 2022.
Decapitated baby’s death inconclusive without head – State Pathologist The circumstances surrounding the death of a two to three week old baby whose decapitated body was found last week Friday floating about 15 feet from the Demerara River remains inconclusive. This since, the State Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh in his Post-Mortem Examination medical report, revealed yesterday, that it is inconclusive due to the absence of the child’s head. It is unclear if the head was severed from the body
by person(s) or if it was removed by animals.A platoon of Coastguard ranks seconded to the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF), Search and Rescue Team was dispatched for a ‘maritime search response operation’ in an attempt to locate the decapitated head. Those efforts, however, have proven to be futile. During a telephone interview with Kaieteur News yesterday, Region 4‘B’ Divisional Commander, Siwnarine Mahendra,
explained that the search operation has since been called off, but said ‘spot checks’ are conducted every day. With the assistance of 19-year-old Kevin Ramiscindo, ranks were able to canvas the area and the body was eventually found between a clump of grass, in the said canal, about 15 feet from the Demerara River. Thus far, there were no reports made about a missing child, and no one has since stepped forward to claim the body.
Govt. invites firms to review Exxon’s... From page 12 Resources Ministry through engagements and information exchanges, with the Licensees as well as the provision of on-the-job training to Guyanese during the FDP evaluation process. The project documents note that the duration of the assignment is expected to be 50 days, with the possibility of work starting by February 7, 2021, should all go as planned. TRILLION DOLLAR PROJECT Kaieteur News previously reported that development costs for the Yellowtail project are poised to exceed US$9B or GY$1.8 trillion. ExxonMobil has said the costs are expected to be higher, since there would be a greater number of development wells and associated drilling costs, when compared to its Payara project which will also cost Guyana $1.8 trillion. Despite the astronomical
costs, Exxon believes that the project should be supported as it would generate benefits for the citizens of Guyana in several ways, which would otherwise not be there in the absence of the project. The Company said these benefits include revenue sharing with the Government of Guyana and stressed, that the type and extent of the benefits associated with revenue sharing will depend on how decision-makers in government decide to prioritise and allocate funding for future programmes, which is unknown to the company and outside the scope of the EIA. Apart from the revenue sharing, Exxon said Guyanese stand to benefit from the procurement process that will follow for goods and services from local businesses in alignment with the Petroleum Agreement and the Esso Exploration and Production Guyana (EEPGL)— ExxonMobil Guyana—Local
Content Plan, approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources in June 2021. According to project document, Yellowtail will consist of drilling approximately 41 to 67 development wells; installation and operation of Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines equipment; installation and the operation of a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block; and— ultimately—project decommissioning. The FPSO will be designed to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day. The initial production is expected to begin by the end of 2025–early 2026, with operations continuing for at least 20 years. The project is expected to employ up to 540 persons during development well drilling, approximately 600 persons at the peak of the installation stage, and 100 to 140 persons during production operations.
With the easily transmissible Omicron variant in circulation, Guyana over the last 24 hour period has recorded another 844 new COVID-19 infections. This is according to the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony who revealed during his daily COVID-19 update yesterday, that young people account for more than half of these new cases. “The most active grouping where we are seeing these cases, it is this younger grouping that is really mobile, they are the ones who we are seeing getting infected,” he said during the interview. The Minister explained that out of the 844 cases, 489 are persons between the ages of 25 to 39 years. “This would be the most active group, if we are to extend that to say 25 to 44 years then it would be 589 persons,” he added. In terms of children getting infected, Dr. Anthony shared that between the 15 to 19 age group, there are 26 persons infected over the last 24 hours. Children between 10 to 14 years, there are 22 of them positive with COVID-19 while 22 of them in the age group five to nine are infected. According to the Health
Minister, the new cases now take the total active cases in the country to 4,295. A breakdown of the active cases in the country shows that 29 are in Region One; 74 in Region Two;351 in Region Three, 2,789 in Region Four, 89 in Region Five, 438 in Region Six, 113 in Region Seven, one in Region Eight, 208 in Region Nine and 203 in Region 10. The country, since the starting of the new year has been recording an unusual number of new cases per a day. On January 1, the Ministry recorded 206 new cases, on January 2, a total of 281 cases were recorded. On January 3, a figure of 98 cases were recorded; on January 4, approximately 485 cases were recorded; on January 5, 779 new infections were detected and on January 6, a total of 967 cases were recorded. Following the spike in new cases, President Irfaan Ali, Minister Anthony and some top health officials, on Wednesday held an emergency press briefing where they urge the citizens not to panic. The team in response to the COVID-19 situation had encouraged the public to safeguard themselves by appeal-
ing to them, to get vaccinated and to continue following all COVID-19 protocols and guidelines. It was also noted by the team that there is enough capability and capacity to deal with the COVID-19 situation as it emerges. As the cases continue to rise, it was reported by the Ministry yesterday that two more persons who contracted the virus have died. The country’s latest COVID-19 fatalities are that of a 60-yearold woman from Region Three and a 66-year-old man from Region Seven. The Health Ministry reported that the persons were unvaccinated patients who died on Thursday while receiving treatment at a medical facility. As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,066. Meanwhile, in its latest edition of the COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry reported that five patients are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 91 persons in institutional isolation, 4,178 in home isolation and 12 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 37,895 persons have recovered from the virus.
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Saturday January 08, 2022
Saturday January 08, 2022
Kaieteur News
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GNBS inspectors assaulted during seizure of substandard electrical products
T
wo inspectors of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) were yesterday assaulted by the Proprietor of Carrefour Hardware Store on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), when they attempted to remove a quantity of ‘substandard’ electrical fittings and equipment from the business premises. According to a statement by the GNBS, its inspectors visited the hardware store during routine inspection activities, where it was observed that the items did
Some of the seized items
not meet the labelling requirements of the National
Standards. As a result, the owner of
the business was informed that the items had to be seized and removed, pending corrective actions. However, during efforts to seize the substandard items, the female proprietor of the establishment proceeded to obstruct the inspectors from carrying out their function, the GNBS said. “The proprietor began to physically assault one of the male inspectors and the police were summoned to the scene. The female proprietor was subsequently arrested, taken to the Den Amstel
Police Station and charged,” the release added. The GNBS seized 143 pieces of power supply cords, five switches, 694 receptacles, 188 plugs and 248 lamp holders, from the hardware store. It was noted that inspectors are empowered, under Section 28 of the Standards Act of 1984, and its Amendments of 1997, to without previous notice, enter any premises, inspect commodities monitored by the GNBS, and request relevant documentation. Additionally, Inspectors have the power to seize and
detain products, which are in contravention of the Act. To o b s t r u c t G N B S inspectors from carrying out their functions is a contravention of the Law and such abrasive actions by any stakeholder will not be tolerated. GNBS, under its Product Compliance Programme monitors 17 categories of products based on compulsory National Standards. The Products include electrical fittings and equipment which are monitored based on 31 compulsory National Standards guidelines.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday January 08, 2022
Saturday January 08, 2022
Ramnaresh Sarwan appointed by CWI as New Selector to the Men’s Senior and Youth Selection Panels ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the appointment of former West Indies captain, Ramnaresh Sarwan, as a Selector to the West Indies Men’s Senior and Youth Selection Panels, which are led by the Most Hon. Dr Desmond Haynes and Robert Haynes respectively. Ramnaresh Sarwan is a former West Indies captain who played at the international level for over a decade. His appointment was confirmed during a meeting of the CWI Board of Directors on Thursday January 6, and he
will be stepping down from his current role as Chairman of the Guyana Cricket Board’s Senior Selection Panel to focus on this role and avoid any conflict of interest. CWI President, Ricky Skerritt, said: “I am delighted to confirm that Ramnaresh Sarwan has agreed to accept the post of selector on CWI’s Men’s Senior and Youth Panels. He is a student of the game, and knows what is required of our young cricketers in order to achieve international success. The Board of Directors are confident that Mr. Sarwan will add enormous value to the cricket system.”
Ramnaresh Sarwan, said: “I want to thank CWI and everyone involved for giving me this opportunity to again serve West Indies cricket, as a member of the selection panels. I’m passionate about the game of cricket and especially West Indies cricket and once asked to contribute, I didn’t hesitate. I look forward to working with my colleagues, the Most Hon. Dr Desmond Haynes and Mr Robert Haynes, and the two Head Coaches, as well as everyone else involved in the development of this sport we love and respect so much.” Sarwan will be a member of
Saturday January 08, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) One disadvantage of attics is that so much junk tends to get stored up there. Today is the day for you to clean house. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) It seems your ship is about to come in, Taurus. At least, the planets seem to think so. Your years of cultivating business relationships will pay off in the form of increased sales or new business opportunities. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Why does being patient have to take so long? quipped one frustrated soul. Could it have been you, Gemini? Waiting has never been your strong suit, there's no question about it. CANCER(June21–July22) We all know the adage, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." But you can't help feeling that you have tried and tried and tried to no avail. All that is about to change, Cancer, as you begin to reap the fruits of your labors. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Whatever you want, Leo, you need only ask for it and there is a good chance you will get it. And it's about time, too. It seems you have been working exceptionally hard lately. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) It's time once and for all to tie up all those loose ends of projects left undone. Much as you may dread it, think of it this way, Virgo.
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Kaieteur News
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Junk mail and a few telephone solicitations would almost be a welcome relief from the intense communications you've been having with people lately. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. It isn't nearly as bad as you think, Scorpio. In fact, things are definitely looking up. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Think of yourself as a marathon runner. You have a very long distance to travel, but the sweetness is not just to be found in crossing the finish line, but rather in relishing all the sights along the way. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) It's time for you to tap in to that inner resource that you have always known existed. Your ability to heal is extraordinary, and there's no point in denying it any longer. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Once begun is half done, as the saying goes. This certainly applies to you today, Aquarius. Yes, it's true that you have a considerable amount of work ahead of you, but surely you know that you can get it done. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) How annoying when work gets in the way of pleasure, but there are times when professional opportunities are simply too good to pass up.
the Men’s Senior and Youth Selection Panels until 30 June 2024, a period that includes four ICC Global Events, two T20 World Cups (2022 & 2024), the Cricket World Cup (2023) and the World Test Championship Final (2023). Ramnaresh Sarwan played 81 Test matches, 181 One-Day Internationals and 18 T20 Internationals for the West Indies between 2000 and 2013. He scored 5842 runs in Tests, including 15 centuries and 5804 runs in ODIs, including five centuries. He was a member of the West Indies team which won the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in 2004.
Sparta Boss favoured for $1Milion... From page 23 play-off will receive $250,000 and the loser $100,000. The Most Valuable Player will earn a Hero Motor Cycle, while well-stocked food and drinks Bars will be available for the fans in the stands who will be entertained by pulsating music from the DJ. A massive crowd is expected for tonight’s grand finale but with the rapid increase in
Covid cases in Guyana since Old Year’s Night, the Covid Task Force will ensure that only those with proof of being fully vaccinated will be admitted into the venue where they must wear a mask unless they are eating or drinking. The action is scheduled to kick-off at 8:00 pm and a strong Police presence is expected.
Bairstowa hits ton, Stokes... From page 24 including England skipper Joe Root for a duck as England’s batting collapsed
again in the morning session. Boland, who took a stunning 6-7 on his Test debut as man-of-the-match in the third Test in Melbourne, knocked over Zak Crawley’s off-stump and then had Root caught in the slips for a seven-ball duck to have the tourists in yet more strife. It got worse for England when Dawid Malan was caught by Usman Khawaja at leg slip for three off Green in a trap set up for the catch. Boland claimed two wickets in his first 19 balls, highlighted by the dismissal of Root, who yet again dabbled outside off-stump and speared a high two-handed catch to Steve Smith at second slip. Boland has now taken nine wickets in the series at just 8.88. He later went for scans after a fall while bowling just before tea, but was later cleared of a rib injury. Mitchell Starc took his series tally to 15 wickets when he took out Haseeb Hameed’s middle-stump for six with a beautiful delivery. It continued a depressing run of outs by the England openers with stands of 0, 23, 7, 4, 4, 7 and 22. Crawley, dropped on seven, was enjoying a charmed life after a massive reprieve before he had scored late on day two when he was caught by David Warner at slip, only for Starc to be noballed for over-stepping. But he finally fell for 18 in Boland’s second over. Scores: England 7 for 258 (Bairstow 103*, Stokes 66, Boland 2-25) trail Australia 8 for 416 dec (Khawaja 137, Smith 67, Broad 5-101) by 158 runs.
Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no
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Kaieteur News
Married Men XI overcome Bachelor’s XI by 33 runs
Members of both teams with their prizes. Married Men XI defeated Bachelor’s XI by 33 runs when the teams collided recently at Lusignan Sports Club. Batting first, Married Men XI posted 254-6 off their allocation of 22 overs. Navin Persaud struck one four and eight fours in a top score of 60, while Baldeo Persaud made 52 with one
four and six sixes and Vishnu Ramjeet contributed 38 which included five sixes. Robin Williams picked up 2-12 and Andrew Dhanraj 221. Bachelor’s XI responded with 221-6. Gavin Boodwah slammed six sixes in scoring 45 while Keon Franklin made 43 with one four and five sixes and Kumar Bushundial 36
not not which contained one four and four sixes. Shamir Mohamed took 228. Baldeo Persaud took the best batsman trophy, Robin Williams was given the best bowler prize and Sackichan Jhagdeo received the prize for the best catch. Navin Persaud was named man-of- the-match prize.
NSC hails Sarwan’s appointment as CWI Selector The National Sports Commission (NSC) is throwing its support behind former Guyanese and West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, who was appointed as a Selector to the West Indies Men’s Senior and Youth Selection Panels. The panel will be led by the Most Hon. Dr. Desmond Haynes and Robert Haynes respectively. Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle and Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad apart from congratulating
Sarwarn, highlighted the NSC’s support for the former Windies batsman who previously served as a Commissioner with the NSC. According to Ninvalle, the NSC is happy to see a servant of the ‘gentleman’s game’ being elevated to such an important committee at Cricket West Indies. He added that the r ight-handed batsman will have the full support of the NSC and by extension the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Sarwan’s appointment was confirmed during a
meeting of the CWI Board of Directors on Thursday January 6. Muhammad reiterated that Sarwan’s appointment reaffirms the respect and esteem that the region has for the beloved Guyanese. The former dapper player will be a member of the Men’s Senior and Youth Selection Panels until 30 June 2024, a period that includes four ICC Global Events, two T20 World Cups (2022 & 2024), the Cricket World Cup (2023) and the World Test Championship Final (2023).
Saturday January 08, 2022
Guyana Harpy Eagles trial match (day 3) Hetmyer (149), Imlach (101)score tons for Paul’s X1 Adams grabs 5-60 On another sunny day on a slow Albion track, Leon Johnson’s X1 were 8-0 in their second innings trailing by 95 runs going in today’s final of the first trial game of a possible three games, yesterday in Berbice. Contrasting centuries from West Indies batsman, 25-year-old Shimron Hetmyer and Tevin Imlach, who turned 25 on November 30, shared in a 233-run third wicket stand. Hetmyer fashioned a wellconstructed 149 which lasted 256 balls and five hours. His innings was decorated with seven fours and a six, while Imalch’s 106 lasted 305 balls, 439 minutes with six fours Kemo Paul’s X1 resumed on 152-2 with Hetmyer unbeaten 69 and Imlach on 45 not out and were dismissed for 357 in reply to Leon Johnson’s X1 254. The pair batted out the entire first session without being separated as they took their second day 98-run third wicket stand to 185 by Lunch with their side on 244-2. At the interval, Hetmyer was unbeaten on 135 from 206 balls and 220 minutes. The left-hander, who has five Test fifties, had reached the boundary seven times and cleared it once, while Imlach was not out on 69 from 219 balls, from 314 minutes and hit four boundaries. After Lunch, the continued to bat confidently before Hetymer, when one short of his 150, was removed by former National Youth pacer Joshua Jones at 289-3. Imlach continued to bat careful and by tea he had reached 103 from 294 balls, from 429 minutes with six fours. With him was Junior Sinclair on seven.
Tevin Imlach (left) & Shimron Hetmyer both scored tons at Albion yesterday. (Photos compliments Brandon Corlette) In the final session, Imlach was bowled by Anthony Adams at 311-4. Adams then ran through the lower order as only Skipper Paul (14) and Quinton Sampson (13) of the remaining batsmen reached double figures as Adams took 5-60 and West Indies off-spinner Kevin Sinclair took 2-91. Johnson’s X1 were eight without loss with Tagenarine Chanderpaul (4) and Raymond Perez (4). Today is the fourth and final day. The Guyana Harpy Eagles is scheduled to have two more practice matches before the team is scaled down for the Regional Four-Day Tournament. The team will be picked by a new chairman of selectors since present Chairman Ramnaresh Sarwan, who has been appointed on CWI panel and has resigned from position with the GCB. Guyana, who has won five of the last six First-Class sea-
sons, is set to oppose Barbados in Barbados from February 2. (Sean Devers)
Anthony Adams had 5-60 yesterday.
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CWI names squad for West Indies Sparta Boss favoured for $1Milion Women’s camp in Barbados GFF, KS inaugural KO Futsal Final tonight...
winner’s prize But Bent St will be coming with all guns blazing
By Sean Devers After seven nights of entertaining Football played by 16 teams, it has come down to two teams vying for one spot to take $1 Million first prize and the title of first champions of the Guyana Football Federation, Kashif and Shanghai knock-out Futsal tournament tonight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The star studded Sparta Boss comprising players predominantly from Tucville, has scored 20 goals while conceding just four in three games in their journey to tonight’s Megga match-up against Bent Street. While Sparta Boss will start as favourites, Bent Street has scored 15 goals and conceded eight and has in their line-up the tournament’s lead-
ing goal scorer in Jermaine Junor and will come out tonight with all guns blazing. In their semi-final Sparta Boss, led by a hat-trick from Ryan Hackett, a brace from Curtez Kellman, and goals from Eusi Phillips and the skilful Stephen Alfred, they destroyed Leopold Street (7-2). Add Gregory Richardson, Jeremy Garnett, Nicholas McArthur and the tournament most successful Goalie; the burly Devon Charles to the mix and Sparta Boss have a power squad. In their semi-final clash Bent Street beat ‘Gold is Money’ in keenly fought game, 4-3 with Colin Nelson scoring twice and Jermaine Junor and Daniel Wilson each scoring a goal. Bent Street has in their squad, Junor, who scored five
goals against Back Circle, Daniel Wilson, Colin Nelson and William Europe. Sparta Boss’ Alfred who scored a helmet-trick against Back Circle has six goals and is one goal less than Junor and will be looking to go top of goal scorers list tonight. But for Junor to add to his goal tally he will have to past the huge figure of Charles who is like a wall between the uprights. Gold is Money and Leopold Street will go head to head in what is anticipated to a riveting Third Place playoff with Gold is Money holding the slight edge in the battle. The Winner’s take home $1Million and the Runners-up will collect $5,000 while the winner of the Third Place (Continued on page 21)
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday announced a squad of 23 players for a medical and fitness camp in Barbados, from January 9 to 14, ahead of departure for the four-match One-Day International (ODI) series against South Africa Women in Johannesburg. The camp sees the return of veteran leg-spinner Afy Fletcher, following her year-long maternity leave. Teenagers Zaida James and Jannellia Glasgow have again been included in a senior West Indies Women’s camp. Britney Cooper, Shabika Gajnabi and Shawnisha Hector have all been ruled out by the CWI Medical Panel for medical reasons. CWI’s Lead Selector for Women’s cricket, Ann Browne-John said: “The players will undergo medical and physical testing before the final squad of 18 are selected to travel. It is good to have Afy Fletcher back into the set-up. Unfortunately, three players, Britney Cooper, Shabika Gajnabi and Shawnisha Hector have
been ruled out of selection consideration for medical reasons.” She added: “What is very promising for us at CWI is the inclusion of teenagers Jannellia Glasgow and Zaida James. They’ve been a part of the senior team camps before and also played in the first ever West Indies Women’s A Team home series against Pakistan Women last year. Their inclusion is a continued step in the developmental pathways we have established to grow women’s cricket in the region.” The selection of the final 18 players who will travel to South Africa will be announced at the conclusion of the camp. The series will feature two day matches and two day/night matches under lights. The day matches start at 10am local time (4am Eastern Caribbean/3am Jamaica) and the day/nighters at 2pm local time (8am Eastern Caribbean/7am Jamaica). MATCH SCHEDULE (all matches at Imperial Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg) Day matches start 10am local time (4am Eastern Caribbean/3am Jamaica) Day/night matches start 2pm local time (8am East-
ern Caribbean/7am Jamaica) Tuesday, January 25: warmup match – vs South Africa XI (day) Friday, January 28: 1st ODI (day/night) Monday, January 31: 2nd ODI (day) Thursday, February 3: 3rd ODI (day/night) Sunday, February 6: 4th ODI (day) West Indies Women’s Full Squad for Medical and Fitness Camp 1. Aaliyah Alleyne 2. Reniece Boyce 3. Shemaine Campbelle 4. Shamilia Connell 5. Deandra Dottin 6. Afy Fletcher 7. Cherry-Ann Fraser 8. Jannillea Glasgow 9. Sheneta Grimmond 10. Chinelle Henry 11. Zaida James 12. Qiana Joseph 13. Kycia Knight 14. Kyshona Knight 15. Mandy Mangru 16. Hayley Matthews 17. Anisa Mohammed 18. Chedean Nation 19. Karishma Ramharack 20. Kaysia Schultz 21. Shakera Selman 22. Stafanie Taylor 23. Rashada Williams
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‘He brought in the right people’ Bairstow hits ton, Stokes defies - head coach Walsh making good moves for WI Women claims Matthews
pain as England fight back
Hayley Matthews has hailed the impact and approach of head coach Courtney Walsh. SportsMax - West Indies Women’s all-rounder, Hayley Matthews, has hailed the impact and approach of head coach Courtney Walsh for the team’s noticeable recent improvements. Walsh took charge of the team in 2020, on the back of a difficult period that had seen the WI Women swept aside 5-0 during a tour of England and four straight series defeats prior to that. The team was also the subject of criticism for their overall fitness levels. Fast forward a few months later and a fitter-looking Windies Women have shown
signs of improvement, putting together much stronger performances that saw them win 2 of the last 3 ODI series. Matthews believes a new approach has slowly started to show benefits for both herself and the team. “I think it’s been fantastic, just looking at the structure. Our entire camps and training session have been going really well. He’s brought in some fantastic coaches to work with us, you have Corey Collymore as a fast bowling coach, you have Ryan Austin as our spin coach, Steve Liburd for the fielding and the
wicketkeeping and then Robert Samuels has been working with us for batting as well. So, I think there’s a really good balance at the moment,” Matthews told the Mason and Guest radio show. “Everyone has been getting a bit more zoned in on the specifics and that’s something we were missing in the past, not having as much firepower in the coaching area. Really breaking it down to the basics in those general areas. That’s been really good and Courtney has done a fantastic job bringing in the right people to blend with the girls.” Matthews has had an exceptional season herself and is one of three nominees for the ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year award.
Australia’s Steve Smith fails to catch a chance off England’s Jonny Bairstow (AFP/DAVID GRAY) AFP - Jonny Bairstow broke through for his first Test hundred in Australia and wincing Ben Stokes reeled off a counter-punching half-century to help England recover from another collapse in the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney yesterday. At the close England were 258 for seven, with Bairstow unbeaten on 103 with eight fours and three sixes, and Jack Leach not-out four to trail Australia by 158 runs. Yorkshireman Bairstow screamed with delight after he cut Pat Cummins to the ropes to raise his third Ashes Test century, but first Down Under. “I was relieved and overjoyed,” said Bairstow, who
received a painful blow on his thumb by a lifter from Australia skipper Cummins. “My thumb is sore but you’re playing in the Ashes and you’re going to take blows. It’s going to take a lot to remove me from things. “I might get an X-ray on it tomorrow but I reckon I’ll still be there in the morning.” Bairstow reached his ton on the third-last ball of the third day for England’s first century in this series. He and Stokes led a recovery after England were in dire straits at 36 for four. England have already lost the Ashes but they at last showed some fight. Stokes, grimacing in pain from a side strain picked up while bowling on Thursday, posted his highest score of the series with 66 to share in the rearguard. Stokes dug deep to club nine fours and a massive six off Nathan Lyon over extra cover but the off-spinner had the last word, trapping Stokes plumb lbw with a skidding delivery to end his brave 91ball knock. The all-rounder had a
massive slice of luck on 16 when he was given out, only to win a review when replays showed a Cameron Green delivery actually hit the offstump but the bail somehow was not dislodged. Stokes shared in a restorative 128-run stand for the fifth wicket with Bairstow to pull England out of the mire. “We’re still in a good position even though there is some uncertainty around the weather. I thought it was a good counter-attack from Stokes and Bairstow,” Australia vice-captain Steve Smith said. Lusty hitting from Mark Wood gave England further momentum before he was caught by Lyon at backward point off a Cummins lifter for 39 off 41 balls. Wood pointed to the ball coming off his helmet but in the review ‘Snicko’ detected a faint top-edge that then deflected off his helmet. - Boland gets Root The fightback came after Scott Boland continued his wicket-taking exploits for Australia with more scalps (Continued on page 21)
Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes batted through the afternoon session • Jan 06, 2022 ©
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